Top News

Homes were evacuated in a UK city after potentially hazardous substances were discovered at a business premises, prompting the deployment of the Army's specialist bomb disposal unit. Emergency services were called just after 10.30am on Tuesday, April 21, after the chemicals were found during routine work at premises in Derby.

The incident took place at Midland Road near the city centre. Officers stressed there were "no criminal matters" linked to the substances. A 100-metre cordon was immediately put in place around the site while nearby properties were evacuated. The cordon and road closures caused disruption across parts of the city, with sections of Midland Road, London Road, Litchurch Street, Wellington Street, Regent Street, Nelson Street, Oxford Street and Carrington Street all affected. Officers also liaised with staff at Castleward Spencer Academy, with part of the school sitting inside the cordon. On Tuesday, Derbyshire Constabulary said: "Staff and students have been advised to stay inside for the time being.

The force added: "Members of the public are advised to please avoid the area whilst emergency services respond to the incident."

Later in the afternoon, the force confirmed the potentially hazardous materials had been removed from the area and that residents who had been evacuated were allowed to return.

In an update issued at 2.40pm on Tuesday, the force said: "A precautionary cordon and road closures that were in place earlier today have now been lifted.

"The potentially hazardous chemicals found at the scene have been safely taken away from the area.

"Members of the public who were earlier evacuated from the scene have now been allowed to return."

The chemicals were then taken under police escort by the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit to a secure area within Elvaston Castle Country Park, where they were destroyed in a controlled explosion.

In a further update at 4.20pm, police said: "The potentially hazardous chemicals that were discovered at the scene earlier today have been safely taken away from the area and destroyed.

"The Army's Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit, supported by a police escort, transported the substances to a secured area within Elvaston Castle Country Park where a controlled explosion on the chemicals was commenced.

"Members of the public who were close-by may have heard a loud bang but we would like to reassure everyone that there is no reason to be alarmed."

Police said they were working alongside Derby City Council, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team as part of the response.